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Life Science Market Size, Dynamics, Trends and Developments

Life Science Market Growth with Opportunities and Segment Analysis

The growing need for personalized medicines and technological advancements potentiate market growth. The presence of key players and favorable government support contribute to North America’s dominance.

Category: Healthcare Services Insight Code: 5711 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

The life science market is rapidly advancing on a global scale, with expectations of accumulating hundreds of millions in revenue between 2025 and 2034. Market forecasts suggest robust development fueled by increased investments, innovation, and rising demand across various industries.

Market Summary

The growing research and development activities and technological advancements boost the life science market growth. The life sciences sector is rapidly expanding, driven by the increasing number of new drug discoveries and the growing demand for biologics. The burgeoning medical device sector and the growing demand for personalized medicines also augment market growth.

Moreover, government and private organizations provide funding for life science research and manufacturing activities. The increasing number of life science startups and venture capital investments propels market growth. The future of the market is fueled by technological advancements in genomics and proteomics, molecular biology, and biomedical technologies. These advancements drive the latest innovations in research activities, leading to the development of innovative products.

Key Takeaways

  • North America led the global market share in 2024.
  • Asia-Pacific is expected to host the fastest-growing market in the coming years.
  • By type, the pharmaceuticals segment held the largest revenue share of the market in 2024.
  • By type, the biotechnology segment is expected to expand rapidly in the market in the coming years.
  • By application, the therapeutics segment held a major revenue share of the market in 2024.
  • By application, the drug discovery & development segment is expected to show the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.
  • By therapeutic areas, the oncology segment registered its dominance over the global market in 2024.
  • By therapeutic areas, the infectious diseases segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the studied years.

Life Science Market: Biological Breakthroughs

Life science is a broad field that deals with the study of living organisms and life processes. Companies operating in the fields of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, biomedical technologies, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, food processing, and others are part of the life science sector. These companies focus on developing drugs, biologics, and medical devices to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure chronic disorders, particularly in the healthcare sector. Thus, the life science ecosystem is indispensable in driving innovation, improving healthcare outcomes, and bringing lifesaving therapeutics and diagnostics to patients.

What are the Growth Factors of the Life Science Market?

  • Growing R&D Activities: Ongoing efforts are made to deliver state-of-the-art treatment and care to patients. Hence, research and development activities have been an integral part of the life science sector for many decades. Researchers develop novel products for the advanced diagnosis and treatment of patients.
  • Personalized Medicines: The growing demand for personalized medicines is mainly due to the rapidly changing demographics and increasing disposable incomes. Scientists analyze a patient’s genetic profile and design drugs based on their conditions. This helps healthcare professionals treat a disease from its root cause.
  • Rising Prevalence of Chronic Disorders: The rising prevalence of chronic disorders leads to the development of novel products for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these disorders. The risk of chronic disorders is increasing due to the growing geriatric population, sedentary lifestyles, and family history.
  • Increasing Investments: Government and private organizations provide funding to life science companies for various purposes, including research and manufacturing. More than $250 billion in business development, licensing, and merger & acquisition activities are deployed annually in the life science sector.
  • In June 2025, the Australian Government’s Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) announced a collaboration with AusBiotech to accelerate the global growth and expansion of Australian life science companies. The collaboration will provide a new National TradeStart Adviser role to help companies grow internationally, connecting them with Austrade services and programs. (Source - BioSpecturm
  • In May 2025, BIOQuébec announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Life Sciences British Columbia to accelerate the life sciences sectors and foster innovation, investment, and national growth. The collaboration will help leverage shared expertise and facilitate the exchange of resources and networks, opening new opportunities in research, product development, and commercialization. (Source - Businesswire)
  • In January 2025, Prudentia Sciences announced that it raised $7 million in funding to empower biopharma companies to accelerate drug pipelines and maximize return on investment. The company’s platform enables investors to make data-driven decisions for portfolio strategy planning. (Source - Businesswire)   

What are the Government Initiatives for the Life Science Market?

  • The “Technical Advisory Group on the Responsible Use of the Life Sciences and Dual-Use Research” to provide independent advice to the World Health Organization (WHO), including technical and strategic advice related to monitoring and mitigation of biorisks, advances in life sciences and related technologies, the governance of dual-use research, and the responsible use of life sciences. (Source - World Health Organization)
  • The European Commission aims to prepare a new “Strategy for European Life Sciences” to strengthen life sciences research and innovation in Europe. The strategy aims to boost innovation to drive Europe’s green and digital transitions, potentiating the use of cutting-edge technologies. (Source - European Commission)
  • In December 2024, China’s State Council published a series of policy incentives to stimulate the transformation of the country’s life sciences industry. These incentives aim to eliminate existing regulatory hurdles that hinder the market access of innovative drugs and devices. Regulatory data protection and marketing exclusivity, foreign marketing authorization, and launch of a pilot program for clinical trials authorizations are some of the key incentives. (Source - Ropes & Grey

How Can AI Revolutionize the Life Science Market?

Artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize all operations in the life science sector, from research to supply chain. It is widely used to accelerate drug discovery and development, automate the clinical trial process, and provide personalized care to patients. AI and machine learning (ML) algorithms can be integrated into numerous diagnostic tools for screening and early diagnosis of diseases, which are otherwise not detected by healthcare professionals.

The advent of wearable devices enables people to monitor their vital signs. This also allows healthcare professionals to keep track of patients’ conditions and make proactive decisions. AI and ML can also transform the manufacturing of medical products, enhancing efficiency and reproducibility. Moreover, they can automate the entire supply chain process, such as planning, production, management, and optimization. This leads to faster product delivery across different geographical locations.

For instance,

  • In October 2024, Accenture announced that it collaborated with and invested in 1910 Genetics to combine tailored solutions and scalable infrastructure for the life science sector. 1910 Genetics’ platform will enable researchers to accelerate drug target identification, reduce costs, and deliver better, more affordable therapies to patients. (Source - Newsroom)

Axtria’s Contribution to the Life Science Market

Axtria is a New Jersey-based company that works with 16 out of 20 life science companies globally. It operates in 70 countries and offers cloud-based platforms, enabling companies to scale innovations, such as predictive analysis, to anticipate the needs of healthcare professionals. Its GenAI solutions optimize outreach channels and provide personalized interactions to transform customer engagement. Shikha Singhal, Principal of Data Science at Axtria, said that the company is leading the charge with AI-based products and services that make digital transformations successful, paving the way for treatment innovations. The company is currently developing integrated data ecosystems and advancing analytics for clinical and commercial success. The company aims to become a leading expert in rare diseases and next-generation therapies. (Source - analyticsindiamag)

Market Dynamics

Driver

New Drug Discovery Research

The major growth factor of the life science market is the new drug discovery research. The rising prevalence of chronic disorders and growing research activities lead to the development of novel drugs. New drug discovery involves a wide range of scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, and pharmacology. The drug discovery and development process comprises various steps from target identification to clinical research and regulatory approvals. New medicines are developed to foster scientific innovation, save lives, and improve the quality of life for millions of people. Numerous government organizations support new drug discovery through initiatives and funding.

Total Approved Drugs

Restraints

Regulatory Compliance

The major challenge of the market is the need for regulatory compliance. The life science sector faces concerns related to laws, standards, and ethical guidelines for all its operations, including drug approvals and clinical trials. Life science companies need to keep track of the evolving regulatory landscape and adapt accordingly. Failure to do so may significantly impact the research, development, and commercialization of life science products.

Data Privacy

Another major challenge is data privacy, due to the rapid technological innovations. Companies adopt digital solutions to improve their workflow efficiency, which may lead to increased chances of cyberattacks and breaches of data privacy. The complex ethical, legal, and social landscapes hinder market growth.

Opportunity

What is the Future of the Life Science Market?

The future of the market is promising, driven by advancements in genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is the process of altering the genetic makeup, such as DNA and RNA, by using laboratory-based methods. Recent advancements in genetic engineering technology have opened up new pathways for innovation, with potential implications that could significantly impact society.

Genetic technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, have revolutionized the field of genetic engineering by enabling precise and efficient editing of genes. These advancements lead to the treatment of genetic and rare diseases and determine disease progression. Advances in genetic engineering also favor the development of personalized medicines, tailored to an individual’s specific genetic needs. Moreover, the increasing investments and collaborations among academic researchers and key players also create ample opportunities for future market growth.

The growing use of digital health technologies, such as telemedicine, also shows potential impact on the future of the life science sector. The demand for telemedicine increased during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Wearable devices and healthcare apps are widely used for enhanced and personalized patient care. These tools can detect health issues early, offer tailored advice, and improve general well-being. It is estimated that more than 320 million people used healthcare-related applications in 2024 globally.

Segmental Insights

Why Did the Pharmaceuticals Segment Dominate the Life Science Market in 2024?

By type, the pharmaceuticals segment held a dominant presence in the market in 2024. This segment dominated because of the development of novel pharmaceuticals and the availability of generic alternatives. Several researchers develop small molecules as therapeutics, due to their ease of delivery and ability to target intracellular sites. Generic drugs are comparatively more affordable and easily available, making them a preferable choice by many people from low- and middle-income groups. The increasing R&D investments and collaborations also boost the segment’s growth. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, the R&D investment of CRO and CDMO grew 12% to 13% annually from 2014 to 2022. (Source - MCKinsey)

By type, the biotechnology segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period. The growing demand for biologics and advances in genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics augment the segment’s growth. Biologics provide targeted therapeutic action and reduce the chances of systemic side effects. The increasing preference for personalized medicines promotes the development of cell and gene therapy and other regenerative medicines. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 43 cell and gene therapies as of January 2025.

By type, the medical devices segment is expected to show a notable CAGR in the life science market over the coming years. Medical devices have been an integral part of everyday life for the prevention and diagnosis of diseases. The rising prevalence of lifestyle disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, promotes the use of medical devices. The U.S. FDA approved around 21 devices from January 2024 to October 2024. Integrating AI and ML has improved the functionality of medical devices with better outcomes. A recent survey reported that almost 1 in 3 Americans use a wearable device, like a smart watch or band, to track their health and fitness. (Source - NIH)

Which Application Segment Dominated the Life Science Market in 2024?

By application, the therapeutics segment led the global market in 2024. The rising prevalence of chronic disorders leads to the development of novel therapeutics. Therapeutics in the life science sector include small molecules, biologics, and medical devices. They play a vital role in extending human lifespan, improving quality of life, and managing chronic conditions. Advancements facilitate the design of recombinant therapeutics, antibody-based drugs, and vaccines. It is estimated that 30 recombinant therapeutics have been approved by various regulatory agencies around the world. Researchers also focus on developing novel drug delivery systems to modify drug transportation.

By application, the drug discovery & development segment is expected to grow with the highest CAGR in the market during the studied years. The growing new drug discovery research and the increasing number of clinical trials foster the segment’s growth. Stringent regulations necessitate pharma and biopharma companies to undergo preclinical and clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of novel drugs. Some researchers also focus on repurposing existing marketed drugs for different disorders. As of June 2025, 540,338 clinical trials were registered on the clinicaltrials.gov website. (Source - Clinical Trail)

By application, the diagnostics segment is expected to show a lucrative growth in the life science market in the studied years. Government organizations launch initiatives for screening and early diagnosis of chronic disorders. This encourages people to have regular body check-ups and use remote monitoring devices. According to a recent survey by Aflac, 51% of the 2,000 adults with cancer were diagnosed after a routine checkup or screening. (Source - Newroom) This also helps healthcare professionals to provide early intervention, saving the lives of millions. As of March 2025, 188 companion diagnostic devices were approved by the U.S. FDA. (Source - U.S. Food & Drugs

How the Oncology Segment Dominated the Life Science Market in 2024?

By therapeutic areas, the oncology segment held the largest revenue share of the market in 2024. The rising prevalence of cancer cases and their complexity contribute to the segment’s growth. The WHO projected that new cancer cases would reach 35 million by 2050, a 77% increase from 20 million in 2022. (Source -  WHO) Several government organizations and regulatory bodies launch initiatives for screening, early diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. In 2023, 25 oncology novel active substances were launched globally, making a total of 193 cancer therapeutics since 2014. Over 2,000 new clinical trials were initiated in 2023 to assess novel therapeutics. (Source -  IQVIA)

By therapeutic areas, the infectious diseases segment is expected to witness the fastest growth in the market over the forecast period. Infectious diseases, such as bronchitis, cold & flu, conjunctivitis, STIs, and foot fungus, are a major health concern, impacting millions of people globally. The Indian government launched the “Infectious Disease Biology Program” that supports R&D projects to eradicate the epidemics of AIDS, TB, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases, and combat hepatitis, waterborne diseases, and other communicable diseases by 2030. (Source - Department of Biotechnology)

By therapeutic areas, the cardiology segment is expected to grow significantly in the life science market from 2025 to 2034. The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disorders governs the segment’s growth. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as heart disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and congenital heart disease, are major causes of morbidity and mortality among adults globally. It is estimated that 17.9 million people die every year from CVDs. Emerging biological therapies, such as gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and RNA-based treatments, are increasingly being developed to revolutionize the treatment of CVDs. Innovative medical devices, like smart implants, wearable devices, and minimally invasive surgeries, further potentiate the segment’s growth.

Which Factors Govern the Life Science Market in North America?

North America dominated the global market in 2024. The presence of key players and favorable government support are the major growth factors of the market in North America. Other factors include new product launches and increasing collaborations. The presence of state-of-the-art research and development facilities promotes the development of innovative products. Advanced healthcare infrastructure also enables healthcare organizations to adopt cutting-edge technologies and provide advanced care to patients.

U.S. Market Trends

The FDA approved 50 new drugs in 2024, including 32 new chemical entities (NCEs) and 18 biologics. There were more than 45,000 life science companies in the U.S. as of early 2024, marking a 7% increase in the number of companies. The National Institute of Health (NIH) is the primary federal biomedical research agency in the U.S. that provides funding for various life science research activities. It invests approximately $48 billion in medical research annually. (Source - NIH)Out of these, nearly 83% is awarded for extramural research.

Canada Market Trends

There are more than 2,000 life science companies across Canada. From 2019 to 2023, Canada reported a total of $25.9 billion in investments into more than 175 companies. In 2023, the Canadian biotech sector recorded $12 billion in 65 investment deals. (Source - Biotech)Moreover, the Canadian government committed more than $308 million to drive groundbreaking research initiatives, strengthen Canada’s global competitiveness, and deliver real-world benefits for Canadians. (Source - Government of Canada)

Rising Venture Capital Investment Promotes Asia-Pacific Growth

Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the life science market during the forecast period. Countries like China, India, Japan, and Singapore are emerging as global leaders in the life science sector, with the increasing number of life science startups and venture capital investments. The burgeoning pharma & biotech sectors and increasing collaborations propel the market. Several government organizations launch initiatives for eradicating numerous chronic disorders and provide funding for research activities. The rising prevalence of chronic disorders and the growing geriatric population also contribute to market growth.

China Market Trends

China is home to more than 3,000 life science companies, employing over 270,000 people. Beijing and Shanghai are emerging cities in the life science sector. China has more momentum with a patent growth of 379% from 2014. The most patent applications were from the biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology fields. Shanghai and Beijing are the sixth and tenth-most active centers for global life sciences venture capital investments in the world, accounting for $1.7 billion in 2024. (Source - CBRE)

India Market Trends

In India, the total number of biotech startups increased from 5,365 to 8,531 from 2021 to 2023. According to the India Venture Capital Report 2025 by Bain & Company, the venture capital investment in the life science sector was approximately $13.7 billion, an increase of 1.4 times from 2023. This made India the second-largest venture capital destination in Asia-Pacific. (Source - Bain) The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) reported that applicants residing in India submitted around 55.5% of patent applications in India’s IP office for the first time. (Source - WIPO)

Favorable Trade Policies to Drive Europe

Europe is expected to grow at a considerable CAGR in the life science market in the upcoming period. The demand for life science research is increasing due to rising investments and favorable government support. The Trump Administration proposed to cut the NIH budget by $18 billion in May 2025. This opens doors for American scientists in Europe for advanced research due to the presence of favorable infrastructure and sufficient funding. Favorable trade policies for pharmaceutical and other life science products favor market growth. In 2023, Germany and Ireland were among the top three exporters of pharmaceutical products, accounting for $115 billion and $92 billion, respectively. (Source - OEC)

Germany Market Trends

The life science sector in Germany is mainly driven by innovations in medical technology, pharmaceuticals, medical biotechnology, and digital health. Germany spends an average of €5,832 per capita on healthcare, ranking eighth largest in Europe. The German government recently launched the “Digital Health” initiative to support digitization in the healthcare sector.

UK Market Trends

In 2024, the UK exported £21.7 billion worth of pharmaceutical products to the world. These products were primarily exported to the U.S., Belgium, Germany, Ireland, and France. (Source - OEC) The UK government committed approximately £520 million, as part of the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF), for life science manufacturing to fulfill the government’s goal of economic growth and build an NHS fit for the future. (Source - Gov.UK)

Latin America Life Science Growth: Increasing Clinical Trials

Latin America is considered to be a significantly growing area in the life science market, due to growing investments and the increasing number of biotech startups. Countries like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico are at the forefront of rapidly expanding the life science sector. The increasing number of clinical trials and favorable regulatory landscape support the market. The growing research and development activities and the rising prevalence of chronic and rare disorders augment market growth. In Brazil, it is estimated that up to 13 million patients suffer from 7,000-8,000 rare diseases. Brazil conducts the highest number of clinical trials in Latin America, accounting for 1,723 recruiting and active, not recruiting trials as of June 6, 2025. (Source - Clinical Trail)

Rising Collaborations to Fuel the Middle East & Africa Growth

The Middle East & Africa are expected to grow at a notable CAGR in the foreseeable future. The rising adoption of advanced technologies and growing investments by government and private organizations drive the market. The MEA government allocates around $10 billion in funding for research and development activities in the life science sector. The increasing number of clinical trials also contributes to market growth. In 2023, 845 clinical trials were conducted in the African region. (Source - WHO)Moreover, the rising population (more than 2.4 billion) and growing awareness of healthcare needs govern the market. The increasing collaboration and M&A activities fuel market growth. In Q3 2024, approximately $1.8 billion was raised for M&A activities in the MEA, an increase of 15285% from Q2 2024. (Source - Pharmaceutical Technology)

Top Companies in the Life Science Market

Life Science Market Companies

Top Companies’ Revenue Info.

  • The Merck Group is a German multinational science and technology company, focusing on discovery and elevating humanity. It offers a wide range of life science tools, services, expertise, and technologies. The net sales of the company in the fourth quarter of 2024 were $15.6 billion, and those of full-year 2024 were $64.2 billion, an increase of 7% from 2023. (Source - Merck)
  • Eli Lilly & Company is an American multinational pharmaceutical company that aspires to turn science into healing to make life better for people around the world. The fourth-quarter 2024 revenue was $13.53 billion, an increase of 45% from Q4 2023. The full-year 2024 revenue was $45.042 billion, a 32% increase from 2023. (Source - Investor
  •  Schrödinger, Inc. is a global leader in developing state-of-the-art chemical simulation software for use in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and materials science. The total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $88.3 million, compared to $74.1 million in Q4 2023. The full-year 2024 revenue was $207.5 million. (Source - Schrodinger)

Latest Announcement by Industry Leaders

Darren Jones, Principal, Life Sciences Consulting at Baker Tilly, commented on the launch of stewardshipNOW that it empowers life science companies to manage the complexities with external funding in a compliant, ethical, and efficient way. He also said that the company’s collaboration with MediSpend combines strategic insight with advanced technology, helping organizations reduce administrative burden, mitigate risk, and execute their funding strategies with confidence and integrity. (Source - Businesswire)

Recent Developments in the Life Science Market

  • In April 2025, Honeywell announced the launch of TrackWise Manufacturing, an AI-assisted, cloud native platform, to transform operations in life science companies. The platform offers a new approach to workflow management that bridges the gap between digital and physical manufacturing environments. It helps manufacturers achieve greater flexibility and efficiency, allowing them to respond to business needs and regulatory changes. (Source - Indian Pharma Post)
  • In January 2025, Clarivate plc unveiled its novel, innovative platform, DRG Fusion, to support commercial analytics in life sciences. The platform allows biopharma and medtech organizations to understand and act in varied disease and competitive landscapes, eliminating the complexities of raw data management. It can also identify gaps in product positioning and present opportunities to enhance patient acquisition and retention. (Source - PR Newswire)

Segments Covered in the Report

By Type

  • Pharmaceuticals
    • Branded Drugs
    • Generic Drugs
    • Biosimilars
  • Biotechnology
    • Genomics
    • Proteomics
    • Metabolomics
    • Bioinformatics
  • Medical Devices
    • Diagnostics
    • Therapeutic Devices
    • Wearables
  • Life Science Tools
    • Instruments
    • Reagents & Consumables
    • Analytical Tools
  • Digital Health Solutions
    • AI in Life Sciences
    • Cloud-based Solutions
    • Health Informatics

By Application

  • Therapeutics
  • Drug Discovery & Development
  • Diagnostics
  • Clinical Trials
  • Research & Development

By Therapeutic Areas

  • Oncology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Rare Diseases
  • Others

By Region

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Thailand
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Sweden
    • Denmark
    • Norway
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Argentina
  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)
    • South Africa
    • UAE
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Kuwait
  • Last Updated: 11 June 2025
  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Kesiya Chacko is an accomplished market research professional with over 4+ years of experience in the healthcare industry, known for delivering actionable insights and strategic analysis that empower healthcare organizations.

Learn more about Kesiya Chacko

Aditi Shivarkar, with over 14 years of experience in consumer goods, leads research at Towards Consumer Goods, ensuring precise, actionable insights on trends, consumer preferences, and sustainable packaging for businesses.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

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FAQ's

The key areas of the life science sector are biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology.

The major technological advancements include microfluidics and biomicrofluidics, genomics and gene editing, single-cell analysis, and AI/ML.

The life science market is rapidly advancing on a global scale, with expectations of accumulating hundreds of millions in revenue between 2025 and 2034. Market forecasts suggest robust development fueled by increased investments, innovation, and rising demand across various industries.

North America is currently leading the life science market due to growing technological advancements.

The life science market includes 4 segments such as by type, by therapeutic area, by application, and by region.

Some key players include AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Company, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Merck KGaA, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Roche, and Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Key trends include rising demand for personalized medicine, growth in product launches, and innovation in technology.

Clinicaltrials.gov; World Health Organization; Department of Biotechnology, Government of India; National Institute of Health; Government of Canada; World Intellectual Property Organization; GOV.UK